Mokoena Vows Revenge Against Egypt In AFCON Knockout Stage 

Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena has served a warning to Egypt, vowing that his team’s 1-0 loss in their second group stage match of the Africa Cup of Nations is not the end, and they’re seeking revenge in the knockout stages. 

Bafana’s loss to Egypt on Friday was marked by controversy, with the decisive penalty awarded on the stroke of half-time after Khuliso Mudau fouled Mohamed Salah inside the 18-yard box.  

Salah converted the spot kick, securing a win for the Pharaohs. 

A contentious moment unfolded in the dying minutes of the match when Egypt’s defense made a handball inside the 18-yard box. Despite the Video Assistant Referee intervening, South Africa didn’t get a penalty. 

The result saw Egypt become the first team to reach the knockout stage of the tournament. 

Bafana Bafana’s path to revenge against Egypt hinges on Monday’s crucial match against Zimbabwe, with Mokoena emphasizing the need for a strong start to secure a win and keep their knockout hopes alive. 

“We will meet them (Egypt) in the knockout stages, it’s not over yet,” Mokoena said on SuperSport TV. 

“Of course, we have to win the next game against Zimbabwe. It’s going to be a tough game, but we have to win it.”  

The 28-year-old, who was named in the AFCON team of the Year last year’s event, highlighted the importance of getting off to a good start in the match against Zimbabwe. 

“For us to win it, I think we need to have a good start,” Mokoena added. 

“We didn’t have a good start against Egypt, so we really need a good start on Monday against Zimbabwe.” 

The match against Zimbabwe promises to be an intense affair, with both teams vying for a spot in the knockout stage. 

Meanwhile, Egypt will face Angola on the same day, with Angola looking to pull off a win to keep their chances alive.